The fine line between over-built folder and EDC fixed blade...

[pinnah]

From the point of view of performance, I think there's nothing like a good fixed blade. Folders are the next best thing, are legal to carry in more places (are more socially accepted as well) and in most cases are more conveniant to have on your person at all times, but are just inferior tools.

Yes, but no.

Yes, in that any sane knife enthusiast will almost always prefer a fixed blade to a folder no matter what the cutting task and no matter what the size. That's a no brainer.

But no, in that a tool that can't be carried as easily, is less likely to get carried, is more likely to cause problems when carried and that offers no massive advantages for a given size range is actually inferior in that context.

Context is really everything.

In the 3" (blade) and below size range, it's very hard to argue that a fixed blade offers significant advantages with the exception of industrial use, cleaning large game or high end carving. In these cases, the advantage is large grips combined with small blades for more control, not strength.

In the 4" (blade) and above size range, this issue is almost moot. At that point, the folder becomes a luggable or sheath carry tool, just a like a fixed blade and once deployed, the sheer size will be upsetting to most civilians (and rightly so) in most situations just as a full fixed blade will.

In that 3.5" to 4" (blade) length range though... While I can't use my Opinel #10 or Buck 110 as a pry bar to open a wooden crate, a) I would be very hesitant to do that with even the toughest 3.5" bladed fixed blade (too much leverage on too short of a fulcrum) and b) I can take those folders into nearly any social situation so long as I use discretion.

The end result is that a Buck 110 is a much more useful tool than, say a Buck 103 and a Opinel #10 is a much more useful tool than, say, a Mora. I have the Opinel #10 in my EDC day pack and don't think twice about it. The Mora would cause a stink.


EDC Back Ups by Pinnah, on Flickr

 

[stabman]

Yes, in that any sane knife enthusiast will almost always prefer a fixed blade to a folder no matter what the cutting task and no matter what the size.

I'm not sane.
I prefer folders for knives up to 4 inch blade length.
Beyond that I prefer fixed blades, but I prefer FAR beyond.
Like this:



Big, Big, Big!!!

 

[bdmicarta]

I sometimes wonder if I really want to carry an Adamas, Contego, Tuff, or 0561. Maybe an Izula is all I really needed?

For me it is as much or more about the size of the handle as it is the size of the blade. I might get by just fine with a blade the size of a Delica but I can't get a good grip on it and that makes it harder for me to cut difficult things, and possibly more dangerous for me to use as a result. If I am cutting through a double thickness cardboard box I want to be able to hold onto the knife handle and not think I'm going to lose my grip. It seems to take a knife with a blade about 3.5" before the handle seems to be large enough for me.

I don't mind carrying larger knives, I'm sitting at my desk in my office with a ZT 0561 in my pocket. It's a big knife but very easy to carry in my jeans.

As for fixed blades, an Izula might be pretty tough for its size but it is too small for me to hold onto, and for carrying in my pocket it is longer than the 0561. If I needed something tougher than a good folder for prying and chopping I would consider a fixed blade and just deal with the inconvenience of carrying it. To me a folder is more convenient than a fixed blade because I don't have to worry about putting it back into a sheath.

 

[ShooterMcgavin]

...As for fixed blades, an Izula might be pretty tough for its size but it is too small for me to hold onto...

All valid points, and the Izula does have a short grip. What about using the Izula II in your comparison? Does that make it a viable option? Or a Bark River Bravo Necker, 1 or 2?

 

[mycough]

Lately I have been carrying fixed blades in either a paul long, or sharpshooter sheath in my back pocket. I know for a fact I would rather have a 3.9" big Chris edc in m390 on me than any folder I own and I have a pretty impressive collection. The butt of the handle sticks out a little from pocket and causes waaay less hassle than a large folder in the front. That knife and a couple other slightly smaller fixed blades have really changed my way of thinking.
I actually see a bit of a fire sale in my future with my folders...